The Stakeholders in Blockchain Technology Association of Nigeria (SiBAN), Nigeria’s leading self-regulatory organisation for the blockchain ecosystem, has concluded its latest electoral process, ushering in a new executive council tasked with advancing the country’s digital economy agenda.
The election, which ended on Tuesday, produced a fresh leadership team expected to strengthen industry standards, encourage innovation, and support the broader adoption of blockchain technology nationwide. The incoming executives will officially assume office in January 2026.
At the helm of the new council is lawyer and blockchain advocate, Mela Claude-Ake, who was elected President of the association. He succeeds Obinna Iwuno, whose administration oversaw key policy engagements, regulatory reforms, and strategic collaborations with government agencies and other stakeholders within Nigeria’s digital asset space. A formal handover is scheduled for January 2026.
The newly elected leadership brings together professionals with backgrounds spanning law, finance, communications, and technology—expertise seen as critical as the blockchain sector navigates an increasingly complex regulatory environment.
Other members of the executive council include Chimene Chinah as Vice President I, responsible for blockchain education and adoption; Oroke Cornelius as Vice President II, overseeing membership development, strategic partnerships, and funding; and Ayo Shonibare as Vice President III, in charge of policy, regulation, and ethics.
Also elected are Ugochukwu Peters as Vice President IV, covering digital asset operations and capital markets; Mbene Vivian as Chief Strategy Officer, leading projects and incubation; Olufunmilayo Tugbobo as Financial Secretary and Chief Financial Officer; and Chiemeka David Ohajionu as Chief Communications Officer.
According to the association, the composition of the new council underscores SiBAN’s focus on strengthening the blockchain ecosystem across multiple fronts, including education, innovation, regulation, and market development.
In his acceptance remarks, Claude-Ake said the new leadership was committed to building on the foundation laid by the outgoing executive, while accelerating the growth of the sector.
“The confidence reposed in this council comes with great responsibility. We are inheriting a strong platform, and our task is to scale it. Blockchain has reached a point where its impact across finance, governance, supply chains, and other sectors can no longer be ignored,” he said.
He added that the council would prioritise collaborative regulation, expanded access to blockchain education, and the protection of stakeholder interests, with the aim of positioning Nigeria as a key player in Africa’s digital economy.
Claude-Ake also described his election as an honour, noting that the blockchain industry requires deliberate nurturing and sustained government engagement. He pledged to focus on strengthening local and international partnerships, building public trust, and uniting stakeholders across the ecosystem.
With the handover slated for January 2026, industry observers are keenly watching the policy direction and initiatives the incoming SiBAN leadership will introduce to reinforce the association’s role as both an innovation driver and a strategic partner to government.
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